Conflict Resolution Center, Inc.

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Stop the Cyberbullying! What Parents Can Do...

• Conflict Resolution Center, Inc.
• 24700 Center Ridge Rd., 6
• Westlake, OH 44145
• 440-808-1111

cyberbully.org
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Its not just like it used to be
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What is Cyberbullying?

• Being cruel to others by sending or posting
  harmful or cruel text or images using the
  Internet
• or
• Other digital communication devices
• Can be a stranger or someone they know

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Cyberbullying Behaviors

• Flaming online fights
• Harassment- rude, insulting language
• Cyberstalking-threats, repeatedly
• Denigration-dissing someone online, cruel gossip
  or rumors
• Impersonation- breaking into someones account,
  posing as that person
• Outing and Trickery-sharing secrets or
  embarrassing info
• Exclusion-intentionally excluding someone from
  game or buddy list

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What Promotes It...

• You cant see me Im invisible
• Removes concern of detection, approval or
  punishment
• Rationalization- everybody does it
• Role Playing- take on another personality,
  avatar, persona reinforces just a game

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Why are parents and educators out of the loop?

• Not knowing
• Not paying attention
• Lack of involvement
• No limit setting

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Impact of Cyberbullying

• Psychological harm
• Extremely vicious
• No escape
• Anonymous
• Distributed worldwide
• Reluctant to tell parents fear of restrictions

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Ways to Address Cyberbullying

• What can the kids do?
• Identify the bully
• Tell him/her to stop
• Ignore it
• Block or filter mail
• Avoid going to site
• Change accounts, addresses
• Tell parents

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What can Parents Do?

• Prevention
• Bully proof child with confidence and resilience
• Pay attention to traits that may lead to
  victimization
• Combat the tell all phenomenon
• Discuss it with your child
• Discuss consequences
• Do not support on-line retaliation

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• Monitor
• Keep computer in open, public place in home
• Periodically investigate files, history, online
  activities cookies
• Search your childs name online, profiles,
  postings, blogs
• Watch for secretive behavior as you approach
  computer
• Install key-stroke monitoring software
• Learn the controls that are available from your
  ISP
• Engage in computer activities to determine their
  savvy

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Internet install monitoring and filtering
programs

• WiredSafety.org
• Teen Angels
• SpectorSoft
• eBlaster
• NetNanny
• SpyAgent
• SoftProbe
• ActivityLogger

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Continued

• What if it happens?
• Assist your child
• Develop personal guidelines for using the net
• Make realistic evaluation of quality of online
  community
• Learn to respond assertively, not aggressively
• Gather evidence and keep it
• Change email address, account
• File complaint with ISP, web host
• Do not delete but dont let your child visit
  that site again
• Block or filter email

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Continued.

• Contact cyberbullys parents caution
• Contact school staff if happens from school
  equipment
• Contact local law enforcement
• Civil litigation
• For more information cyberbully.org

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Who engages in Cyberbullying?